PUNTA GORDA — The early May sun was doing its best late-summer impression on Thursday afternoon, which was fitting, since the Charlotte beach volleyball team was sizzling with a state bid on the line.
In a sport that is still in its foundational stage, Charlotte has built a powerhouse. The Tarpons made quick work of visiting Estero and celebrated a 5-0 victory at Carmalita Park. They will now head to Tallahassee for the second consecutive year to participate in the 16-team state championship bracket, beginning May 10 in Tallahassee.
Two state trips in three years of sanctioned play? Not bad, right?
“We started as a club team six years ago, so technically we’ve been doing this for six years,” said Charlotte co-head coach Alyssa Hurley. “So the girls that were freshmen, they’ve been working up the ranks.”
Co-head coach JaNhea Beisner held up senior Julia Damico, who is one half of the Tarpons’ No. 1 duo along with Abbie Willis, as an example of what the program has produced.
“Julia was on the fives her first year for us,” Beisner said.
“Now she’s worked her way through all of that,” Hurley continued.
“So we’ve had some girls that we’ve gotten to develop, which has been good for us,” Beisner concluded.
Willis and Damico won their No. 1 match by a 21-16, 21-15 count, but the day's outcome had already been determined before their first set was over, thanks to the No. 3 duo of Sammy Vega and Ava Hall, who blazed to a 21-10, 21-15 victory for the third match point.
The pleasant surprise came down roster from the No. 5 tandem of Sammi Jo Colburn and Jaylin Hickox, who drew first blood with a 21-12, 21-19 win.
“We’ve never struggled at the 5s in any of our seasons,” Beisner said. “And this year was the year where we kept playing, putting pair after pair in there. And now the pair we have now has really stepped into the position and they’re just getting after it.”
Keira and Kylie Vasquez won their No. 4 match to set up Vega and Hall to end it. The No. 2 tandem of Hanna Hall and Juliet Hurley had a touch of drama, getting extended to a third set, but they ultimately secured a 21-17, 15-21, 15-11 win.
All that remains is to load up the cars for the long drive to Florida State University’s beach volleyball courts. At least the Tarpons know how to get there and they also know what to expect from the courts.
“We learned that the sand there is very, very deep,” Damico said. “So it’s very different that what we’re used to practicing on. A lot harder to jump and move in.
“So at least this year we’ll be prepared for that.”
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